SBIR-STTR Award

Synthesis of brassinolide, a plant growth steroid
Award last edited on: 3/14/2002

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
NSF
Total Award Amount
$43,800
Award Phase
1
Solicitation Topic Code
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Principal Investigator
Michael E Baker

Company Information

Pacific Rim Bioscience Enterprises

182 South Nardo Avenue
Solano Beach, CA 92075
   (619) 755-7405
   N/A
   N/A
Location: Single
Congr. District: 49
County: San Diego

Phase I

Contract Number: ----------
Start Date: ----    Completed: ----
Phase I year
1988
Phase I Amount
$43,800
Brassinolide is a steroid found in many plants. It stimulates the growth of a wide variety of crops, including rice, wheat, beans, potatoes, radishes, and lettuce. However, the use of brassinolide or an analog to improve crop production has been hindered by a lack of readily available materials. Furthermore, the lack of radioactive brassinolide has also hindered research towards understanding the biochemical mechanism of its action and the development of new uses for the compound. The present proposal is based on the procedure for synthesizing brassinolide designed by Dr. Trevor McMorris. The specific objectives are: 1) improve the synthetic procedure, 2) prepare gram quantities of brassinolide and 3) demonstrate the synthesis of radioactive brassinolide. An inexpensive brassinolide has excellent potential as a growth promoter for high value vegetable crops and certain field crops.

Phase II

Contract Number: ----------
Start Date: ----    Completed: ----
Phase II year
----
Phase II Amount
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